Decorating homes, sharing meals
Anbar: Ramadan traditions light up Hit’s Al-Qalaqa neighborhood
ANBAR — In the Al-Qalaqa neighborhood of Hit, residents are ushering in Ramadan with a spirit of community. Neighbors are working together to decorate their homes with festive lights and to organize shared meals for both Iftar and communal Suhoor gatherings along the narrow alleys.
Iftar, the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast, traditionally begins with dates and water before a full meal is served. Suhoor, on the other hand, is the pre-dawn meal enjoyed before the start of the daily fast.
Local journalist Mohammed Al-Bakri described Al-Qalaqa as one of Hit’s oldest neighborhoods, blending historic charm with modern touches. “Decorating the streets with lights on the first days of Ramadan is one of the customs and traditions passed down from our fathers and grandfathers,” he said.
He explained that residents display banners emblazoned with “Blessed Ramadan” and string decorative lights along their homes. “We use banners that include the phrase ‘Blessed Ramadan’ and strings of decorative lights. Every person in the neighborhood decorates the front of their house with them, and we always share in purchasing and hanging the decorations,” Al-Bakri continued.
Another cherished tradition is the communal Suhoor meal, held two to three times during Ramadan. “Each household prepares a dish, and the table stretches along the alley as families come together to share the meal,” he added.
